BATTAN SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Government published notification dated 28th May, 1981 in Government Gazette on 5th June, 1981(Annexure P-1) under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act relating to the acquisition of 16 Acres 6 Kanals 4 Marlas of land in Nawanshahr, District Jullundur, for the construction of Tehsil and Judicial Complex including Telephone Exchange, Post Office Building and residential quarters for the staff. The land of the petitioner admeasuring 14 Kanals 6 Marlas bearing Khasra No. 1814 Min. and 1822/1 is included in the notification (Annexure P-1). The petitioner has assailed the said notification in the present writ.

(2.) The learned counsel for the petitioner has argued that the substance of the notification (Annexure P-1) published in the Gazette on 5th June, 1981, was published by beat of drum in the locality on 23rd June, 1981. The local publication was highly belated and the notification is liable to be quashed on this ground.

(3.) The contention of the learned counsel for the State is that the petitioner filed objections under Section 5-A of the Land Acquisition Act within the statutory period, which were disposed of. The petitioner, therefore, cannot justifiably assail the notification (Annexure P-1) on the ground that the local publication of the notification was belated.